Introduction
Facebook has announced significant updates to its feed customization options, rolling out new features designed to give users greater control over what they see. Starting today, users will be able to adjust the visibility of posts from friends and recommended content using intuitive new buttons labeled "Show more" or "Show less." Additionally, Facebook is testing these changes with Reels, aiming to enhance user engagement with its short-form video platform.
How It Works
The new functionality introduces two options for users: "Show more," which increases the ranking score of a post and similar ones, and "Show less," which temporarily decreases the ranking score. These settings allow users to influence what they see on their feeds based on their preferences. By selecting these options, users can control the visibility of posts from friends and recommended content.
The Research Behind It
Facebook has conducted extensive research to determine the optimal duration for preference settings. The company found that people typically want their content preferences to last for at least a few weeks. Additionally, Facebook aims to keep up with users’ changing interests by maintaining these preferences over this period. Currently, users can hide posts from people they follow or those recommended by Facebook.
Features and Benefits
By introducing these new settings, Facebook is empowering users to provide direct feedback on the content they see. This capability is expected to improve the company’s AI systems, making them more responsive and effective in delivering relevant content. Users can now customize how much content they see from friends and family, Groups, Pages, and public figures.
Test Phase
Facebook has chosen a phased approach to implementing these changes, with periodic presentations of "Show less" and "Show more" options to users. The company has also introduced a three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of feeds for quick access to these buttons, ensuring convenience while maintaining control over content visibility.
Impact on Users
The introduction of these features is likely aimed at addressing complaints from users who find their feeds overwhelmed with posts they are not interested in. By giving users more control over what they see, Facebook hopes to reduce the amount of irrelevant content and enhance user experience.
Additionally, the testing phase for Reels suggests that Facebook is also exploring how these new settings can improve engagement with its short-form video platform. This expansion into more interactive features may help Facebook differentiate itself from competitors like TikTok.
Conclusion
Facebook’s new settings represent a significant step forward in user customization and feedback mechanisms. By providing tools to control the visibility of posts, the social network aims to enhance user experience and keep its AI systems aligned with actual user preferences. As these changes progress, users can expect more tailored content on their feeds, contributing to a more engaging online experience.